Shreveport Residents May Soon See New Resource Centers for Severe Weather Relief
In Shreveport, Louisiana, there’s some exciting news brewing for residents who often find themselves facing the aftermath of severe weather and power outages. Recent discussions among local commissioners have led to a potential new initiative aimed at providing essential services during these challenging times. “These centers are places where they can take refuge and get essential services to prevent serious illness and sometimes death after a severe storm,” shared Caddo Commission President John-Paul Young.
The Community Lighthouse Program
On October 23, commissioners gathered to explore funding options for expanding a unique program known as the Community Lighthouse. This initiative aims to support residents in crisis, offering multiple resources to help sustain lives during tough periods. The beauty of these centers is that they are completely self-sufficient, boasting the capability to provide power to crucial areas such as air conditioning, heating, and other necessary amenities.
What makes these community lighthouses stand out is their reliance on renewable energy. Young explained, “Solar panel carries and backs up water systems to help deal with emergency outages that are caused by extreme weather events or whatever else causes them in our community.” This eco-friendly feature not only helps during power outages but also contributes to sustainability in the region.
Understanding the Importance of Resource Centers
During conversations about these lighthouses, Young pointed out something incredibly important. “It’s kind of a well-known fact now that most people don’t die during the weather storm or event that causes an outage. They die from the inconveniences from not having electricity when they were reliant upon it or water systems when they were reliant upon it,” he explained. This statement highlights the critical nature of support systems that can ensure safety and health during trying times.
Funding and Future Developments
So, how will this initiative be funded? Excitingly, the project is set to be backed by a grant from the American Rescue Plan, which is estimated to cost around $500,000. Recently, the Caddo Parish Commission held a vote on moving the proposal to the commission floor. In a close decision of 4-6, they pushed the initiative forward, signaling a positive step toward seeing this plan come to fruition.
If the proposal clears the final steps, it would mark the establishment of a third community lighthouse, slated to be built at Galilee Baptist Church in Caddo Parish. The first two locations are at Morningstar Baptist Church and the Highland Center, where similar resources and support systems are being developed.
Prioritizing Water Supply Systems
A key request from Young regarding the new center was the inclusion of a backup water supply system. This request stems from the harsh memories of the 2021 winter storm, which left many without access to clean water for an extended period. Having a reliable water supply at these centers could significantly bolster the community’s capacity to care for its residents during emergencies.
Shreveport is truly making strides in preparing for future weather-related challenges. With the groundwork being laid for these community lighthouses, residents can look forward to having a safe haven—a place not only for shelter but also to access essential services during those unpredictable weather events. As the community comes together to support one another through these initiatives, it’s clear that Shreveport is taking meaningful steps toward resilience.
